At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR matters, employee relations, and provide practical advice to leaders.
- Company: Join Thinking Schools Academy Trust, a family of schools dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Career development opportunities, health support, and exclusive discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with travel to various sites and significant remote work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while advancing your HR career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, knowledge of employment law, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for a varied role where you can make a real difference to schools, leaders and staff? Thinking Personnel are seeking to appoint an HR Consultant to support the next stage of our growth. This is a full time role working term time plus two weeks, providing planned HR capacity across internal TSAT priorities and external clients. This is a fixed term contract initially to 31 August 2027.
You will support complex employee relations casework, investigations, formal hearings, restructures, absence, capability, conduct and grievance matters. You will also provide clear, practical advice to leaders, helping them manage people matters confidently, fairly and consistently.
We are looking for a credible and confident HR professional with strong employee relations experience, sound employment law knowledge and excellent written communication skills. You will be able to work independently, manage sensitive matters professionally and advise senior leaders with confidence. Experience of working in schools, academies, multi-academy trusts or the wider education sector would be desirable, as would experience of restructures, redundancy, TUPE or organisational change.
The role will not hold a fixed regional school caseload. Instead, you will be deployed flexibly where senior HR capacity is needed most. This may include external contract support, policy work, service improvement and project activity. The role will involve travel to TSAT offices, academies and external client sites, with Chatham expected to be a main base. There will also be significant remote working, depending on service need.
About You
About Us
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South East, South and the South West. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:
- Think about their Thinking
- Be their Best self
- Shape their Success
In this way we transform life chances.
What our Trust will offer you:
- Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships at every level, we provide clear pathways for progression and exciting promotional opportunities across regions.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers. Enjoy reduced membership fees at our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes.
- Employee Recognition: Refer a Friend and TSTARS Staff Recognition Programme.
- TSAT Benefits Portal: A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers, dental insurance scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Blue Light Card: Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
What you need to do now:
If you are interested in joining Thinking Personnel and supporting a growing, specialist HR service for schools and trusts, we would encourage you to apply. Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact [email protected]
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE, we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates.
HR Consultant in Chatham employer: TSAT
Thinking Personnel is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for HR professionals. With a strong commitment to career development, health and wellbeing support, and employee recognition, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. Located in Chatham, our flexible working arrangements and diverse opportunities across multiple schools ensure that you can grow your career while contributing to transforming life chances for young people in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Consultant in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at schools or trusts.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your interview game on point! Research common HR scenarios and prepare to discuss how you've handled complex employee relations cases in the past. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your knowledge of employment law and your experience with restructures or TUPE. Make it clear that you can provide practical advice to leaders.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to be part of our mission to transform life chances.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Consultant in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Consultant role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any relevant work in schools or academies. We want to see how you can make a real difference!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language but let your personality shine through – we love a bit of character!
Demonstrate Your Knowledge:Don’t forget to showcase your understanding of employment law and HR best practices. Mention specific examples where you've successfully managed sensitive matters or provided advice to leaders. We’re looking for confidence and credibility!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TSAT
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your employment law knowledge and employee relations experience. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially in the education sector, as this will show your credibility and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written communication is key for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex HR matters in the past. Bring examples of reports or advice you've provided to leaders that highlight your clarity and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
This role requires a flexible approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing needs in previous positions. Share experiences where you've successfully managed multiple priorities or worked in different environments, like schools or trusts.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the Trust's vision. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals. Ask about their approach to employee relations or how they support HR consultants in their development.
